This study explores the weakest total quality management dimensions and defines the critical quality indicators for Taiwanese universities using a hybrid model using importance -performance analysis (IPA) and a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP). IPA and FAHP are measured using the average value, while the FAHP is also measured using a five-point linguistic variable scale. Consistent with the literature, R&D, innovation, human resource, and knowledge management are weak quality dimensions requiring attention. However, different from contemporary research, leadership, the development of customers and markets, process management, and quality information regarding operations were not identified as weakest quality dimensions.

This discussion presents findings from 24 higher education institutions (HEIs), recommendations regarding the benchmarks themselves and for university practice, potential expansion of the benchmark methodology to provide more capacity to create and use data to evidence student learning in a technology enhanced learning (TEL) environment. Design/Methodology/Approach: These are preliminary results of a major benchmarking activity that is designed to be part of a continuing program that is still under review. Results are provided through frequency distribution and illustrative qualitative information gleaned from two surveys provided participants, one during the collaborative session between participants from the 24 HEIs and nine months later. An analysis of the data in the form of recommendations is also provided. Practical implications: Firstly, Australia's Tertiary Education Quality & Standards Agency (TEQSA) is expanding the use of benchmarking activities at HEIs as part of their quality assurance practice to meet regulatory compliance requirements. The use of the ACODE Benchmarks facilitates therefore assists HEIs meet their regulatory compliance obligations. Secondly, Originality/value: ACODE is one of the few international agencies focusing on TEL benchmarks, criteria, guidelines or standards. A number of the participating HEIs are considered leading practitioners of learning and teaching in TEL and thus they not only inform but help shape the values and inform QA agencies of appropriate practice that should be embedded within the standards and/or practices that generate recognition of HEI practice.

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PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which TQM has influenced the legal system in Australia, an area seldom investigated in the quality or legal literature.Design/methodology/approachDocumentary and policy analysis of legislation, rules and rulemaking documentation based on a partial application of historical-policy analysis (HPA). Textual analysis was based on Dean and Bowen's (1994) definition of TQM and Vinni's (2007) review of new public management and Swiss (1992) “reformed TQM” concepts.FindingsAustralia's Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act of 2011 and supporting legal documents such as Guidance Notes include language reflective of TQM principles, providing evidence that present-day administrative law schemes include TQM practices and tools to undergird procedures of regulatory expectations (sometimes in the form of standards), monitoring and general operations. Oftentimes, it is the supporting legal documentation where TQM practices are found and operationalized.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a proof-of-concept research study to determine the feasibility to identify TQM concepts within the existing language of legal statutes and supporting regulatory documentation. As such this study worked out the preliminary research challenges in performing this type of analysis.Practical implicationsUnderstanding TQM's impact on legal systems expands the system's perspective of organizations that do not always factor in the influence government policy has on organizational behaviours and outlooks. More specifically, understanding TQM's influence sheds insight on regulatory requirements imposed on a sector and the normative aspects of regulatory compliance that impact the operations and strategic planning of organizations.Social implicationsThe article provides an example of how legal administrative rulemaking influences organizational operational and strategic activities to remain viable in the organization's business or industrial sector.Originality/valueThere are few research papers or literature reviews pertaining to the subject of TQM concepts embedded in laws and regulations, most of which date from the 1980s through early 2000s.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This is a case study of an Australian higher education institution (HEI) using quality function deployment (QFD) to identify areas of improvement in serving and meeting the needs of international students enrolled at this university. The composite institution reflects what is currently happening at the time of this writing as part of a process of determining international student needs and ensuring that these are met while meeting academic and institutional requirements (IR